Rick Scuteri - USA Today Sports
Rick Scuteri - USA Today Sports

Cody Bellinger on his slugging troubles, trade speculation


by - Senior Editor -

Not all is well for the Northsiders.

Chicago Cubs standout outfielder Cody Bellinger is frustrated with his team's performance over the last few months.

“This has been disappointing for sure,” Bellinger told the media Tuesday. “We all had such great expectations, and overall, I think we still do. Today, I put some good swings on the ball and had a couple of bad breaks."

Bellinger understands that changes will be made to the roster if they don't get it going soon.

"We just have to keep fighting."

Bellinger believes that he can do better, especially in the slugging department.

“It's a little hard to explain. It feels like it's unlucky at times. A lot of hard-hit balls are getting caught. For myself, I want to do more. It's what I strive to do; frankly, I think I can do way more."

For the season, 'Belli' is hitting .270 with nine homers and 35 RBIs in 72 games.

“We have had a lot of discussions about how hard it is, but overall, it seems to be better. We have had some unlucky breaks. We have to keep going. For me and most of the players, when you start chasing the slug, it can go downhill for you pretty quickly. You must concentrate on the end goal. In my case, I must stick to the right approach.”

Bellinger understands that if the Cubs don't turn it around, then Cubs President of Operations Jed Hoyer will have to make some tough decisions on some veteran players.

"I feel last year there was some good communication,” Bellinger about Hoyer's communication with him during the last trade deadline. "We all understood where we were all at. I expect the same from him this year if it comes to that.”

It should be interesting to see what Hoyer does before the trade deadline because Bellinger might be one of the pieces moved because of a youth movement that might be coming.

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